Style • Play • Every day

Hi. We are a design/style LA based company specializing in mixing eclectic styles on moderate budgets. Also we have a strange amount of fun blogging about all our design and style adventures. Right now I’m happy to say that I’m Target’s home spokesperson, bringing accessible/stylish design to the masses.

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Hey guys it’s Ginny here bringing you another room reveal at the Los Feliz house we’ve been working on. Last week we revealed the toddler girl’s bedroom and a few weeks ago the playroom. The guest bedroom is the last reveal of this phase of designing for these clients. I intro’d this space back in Feb which you can read all about it here if you missed it the first time round. They eventually want to redo their kitchen and living room which we’d love to get our hands on since the house is so beautiful and the clients are really great to work with.

The guest bedroom is one of two guest rooms they have and is on the first floor level at the back of the house. It has it’s own en-suite bathroom and external access to the pool and patio area, making it the perfect space for visitors. They wanted to make this room feel cosy and inviting and above all have some cool charm to it.

They didn’t have any furniture they wanted to keep so we were able to start fresh in here. The pretty oatmeal window shades were existing so we kept those and designed around them. They were pretty adventurous when it came to doing wall treatments in the house (we painted the playroom mint green and did a wallpaper in the girl’s bedroom). After proposing a few options to them and going back and forth on modern vs traditional, we came to a decision to go with a black toile. The black makes it feel slightly more edgy and less country Manor House.

If you’re wanting to do a more modern toile there’s a really cool Brooklyn one from we considered, but ultimately pushed the client to go more timeless and traditional.

Although the house’s style feels quite traditional we were super cautious to not sway too far in that direction with the design. So we paired the wallpaper with modern feeling elements like the nightstands, sconces and artwork. We also added in touches of mid-century with the table lamps and vintage dresser. The nightstands feel a bit more on the industrial side with them being metal and wood, but that really helps to modernize the space. The back wall is also fairly large so the size of these feel right in here.

All the artwork in here is the clients own and these prints are from . When using such a bold and busy wallpaper it’s better to go simple with the artwork so that it doesn’t end up getting lost. The graphic typography brings in a younger hip vibe and the negative white space around it gives your eyes a rest from the wallpaper, letting the art stand alone.

The nightstand styling was kept fairly minimal and neutral. It’s a guest room after all so they didn’t want it to feel overly styled but wanted it to still have some interest. A lamp, a catchall tray (or bowl) and vase is all you really need (and you could go even less). Since the nightstands are pretty big we couldn’t not style out the bottom shelf. We used oversized books to break up the surface and added pottery to help make it feel more eclectic. You could also pop a basket in here instead for additional blankets or a place for guests to store items.

There was space under the TV that was crying out for a piece of furniture, so we found a vintage steamer trunk that fit perfectly in here. To make it feel more ‘hotel-like’ we added extra blankets and a drinks tray to welcome guests. The little door behind the trunk is for access to the bathtub plumbing. I’ve never actually seen that before but actually makes sense. Kind of annoying that it has to be there though and break up our beautiful wallpaper.

There isn’t a walk-in closet in here (there is in the hallway close by) but they didn’t want to add a lot of storage since the room isn’t that frequently used. We convinced them to go for this really cute mid-century dresser we found on . It really helps to add some soul into the space since a lot of the other large furniture pieces are new.

With us adding artwork around the bed, we decided to install a round mirror above the dresser – helpful for guests, doesn’t detract away from the wallpaper and helps to bounce light. We styled this out a bit more than they have it for everyday and to mine & Melanie’s surprise (and sadness), they didn’t want to keep the brass hand lamp. It def goes a little 80’s glam but to us it added a little fun and whimsy in here. Adding fresh flowers or branches really liven up a space and we went with a slightly larger leaf so that it would stand out against the wallpaper – anything smaller would get lost.

To add some colour in here we layered a mix of different blues, grays, white and oatmeal for the bedding. We also incorporated some pattern through the pillows with a simple graphic triangle on the white pillow cases and then a blue stripe on the flannel in front. With the headboard being a dark blue it created a divide between the wallpaper and the pillow so that each could stand alone and be seen. The blue is from Pom Pom home (I have that and two of their shams) it’s a gorgeous soft organic linen in their indigo colourway. We styled this nightstand slightly differently here by centering the large books on the bottom and a large footed ceramic bowl on top. Instead of a tray on the top we used a stack of books to sit the catchall dish on – perfect for keeping jewelry safe and in one place. The two cute black vases on the nightstands are by Melanie’s BF . He hasn’t updated his shop in a while but check back in again soon, I’ve seen some of the new stuff he’s making and it’s amazing!

So there you have it – a traditional yet eclectic guest bedroom. Do you think we should have gone with a modern toile or do you like the more traditional in this space? Would love to know what you think.

We compiled some before // afters below and if you like this room keep scrolling for the sources along with the ‘Get the Look’.

I noticed it, too. At first I was like, what gives? But then I was like, these blog posts are loading way faster on my computer and in general are easier to read than usual. You can also click on each individual picture to enlarge and scroll.

Thanks for letting us know, we have been trying to work through this issue with our IT team to figure out what is going on. But, clearing your browser history/cache may help out for the time being, and thanks for coming back and reading, and your patience while we figure it all out. xx

I have that mirror and I love it! I think it looks more expensive than it is and I haven’t noticed the reflection being distorted at all. I would definitely buy it again. I have it hanging over a buffet in my dining room though, so I don’t ever use it to actually check my own reflection. My Target usually has at least a couple in stock, maybe you could check it out in person first?

I have it and love it. I bought it in store so maybe issues with distortion are due to the shipping? But mine is not distorted at all and it’s beautiful. It looks so similar to one from West Elm but without the hefty price tag.

I have it and really, really like it. I can tell its not a fully flat mirror surface, but for us it’s more for decoration (above a dresser) and bouncing around light than actually looking into, so it doesn’t bother me much. If it was in my foyer or somewhere where I’d actually look into it to see if I have something in my teeth, it’d drive me a little nuts. Just a little, though. It’s slight enough that my husband would have no idea if I asked him about it.

Beautiful work as usual! I have a safety question: in an earthquake prone part of the country like LA I’ve always been taught NOT to hang anything heavy /glass etc directly OVER a bed in case of nighttime earthquakes. Is this something you guys take into account? Am I just being overly cautious? I’d love some thoughts on this. 🙂
Thx!!

^^This. Even in Virginia, we occasionally have earthquakes. I’m wondering if a French cleat is the answer here?

I would also appreciate at some point (unless you’ve done one already?) a post on how to anchor things such as bookcases and curtain rods. Even with screws and drywall anchors, my kids pulled out a picture ledge last week, and my dog pulled out a curtain rod (by stepping on the bottom of the curtains where they were puddling on the floor). Clearly, I don’t know what I’m doing, even when I follow the directions (i.e. the directions that came with the wall anchor screws, and the directions that came with the picture ledge).

Lover of most things and rooms on your blog here and yes, I know if you don’t have anything good to say, just shut up ….. but: this is a designer’s blog and not a private person’s home: I feel it’s too busy with four walls of the toile wallpaper. I feel that it might look better just on one wall. But hey, I don’t have to live there. Otherwise, as usual, great choice of objects in the room. And it’s a guest room, so it’s not a place to sleep in for 365 nights a year. Just my 2 cents

I saw it this morning and I tried to convince myself that I was mistaken because I didn’t think that anyone would deliberately create something so racist and anyone would actually call it “cheeky”. Disturbing…

Wait, what? I don’t see that on the wallpaper. – zoom in and you can see the renderings.

While I don’t love the toile for myself, I love how this room is transformed. Such good layering and mixing of pieces and textures from what it was before. Great inspiration for my own guest room which is so very blah right now.

Hmm, not convinced. They are, however, pretty convinced of their own coolness. If that’s not a black man, their execution of color and contrast is pathetic. And their line questioning how it would be racist if he were black, since “people of all races commit crimes.” Ah, yes, thanks, now I get it.

Hey all, I just wanted to apologise about the wallpaper I linked. I hadn’t seen the parts you referenced until you pointed them out in the comments, and if you knew me you’d understand that I do not in any way promote or believe in gun violence or acts of racism
The cheeky part for me was people drinking on park benches. I feel terrible that this has offended people and really not my intention at all. For anyone that has been upset by this please accept my sincere apologies. We’ve taken it down now so that it doesn’t offend or upset anyone else.
Ginny xXx

Hey guys, I hadn’t clicked on the link when I read the post, but once I saw the comments I panicked, was offended as well and deleted it immediately. We are so sorry, and I personally hope that no one buys or uses that wallpaper.

I love this room, it’s one of my favorite spaces you guys have done – but I’m surprised to see sconces and bedside lamps together! Just curious, what was behind that decision? I see an overhead light, so I assume it wasn’t because the room needed it…was it just to fill out the wide nightstands?

Yeah, I think they used the same spot the old lights were mounted, and they look WAY too high to be reading lights. The table lamps also are in the far edge of the nightstand. That must be quite a stretch to turn them off at bedtime!

This space looks great! I absolutely love how you guys used a more traditional wallpaper and added modern flairs. So many amazing, yet simple home decor touches in this space. I always have a hard time pairing gray/ metallic pieces with wood for some reason I can never pull it off but in this space it just nicely ties together the traditional feel.

Long (looong) time follower of this blog and am honestly a super massive fan of all of EHD’s work… but I had a wee bit of a problem with this post… specifically, the second/third last line: “Do you think we should have gone with a modern toile or do you like the more traditional in this space? Would love to know what you think”.

I understand that this is a blog and that you are catering, and I guess in a way advertising to your audience which is awesome and if I weren’t living in a different hemisphere, I would totally hire you guys! However, if I had just hired you to complete a job that I had to live with for the next x years, and knew it was going up on the blog, I would not want the work to be questioned by the same people who were in charge of the design. Of course, this is just my preference, and while people will weigh in their thoughts/opinions regardless, I think asking if you think you should have gone with a more modern wallpaper at the end of a blog post sort of looks like you weren’t really sure about your decision as an interior designer.

Love the room as it is and believe that you guys, as designers who were hired to decorate this room, did a fantastic job. Don’t think you should be inviting more criticism that clients could potentially read and start to doubt what you’ve done to their rooms (hopefully they won’t though, because as I’ve said… you guys do awesome work!)

Toile isn’t generally to my taste, but I do think it works quite well in this space since you’ve balanced it with more modern elements. The simple graphic artwork is such a great counterpoint! And the dresser- WOW!

I live in Dallas and have been to Round Top once, but your post is making me want to go back this fall. I am pretty darn cheap so I have a hard time with the prices on a lot of the items you bought, but I do really love the special wooden bowls/trinkets, leather garbage can and that pine dresser. I love those round feet so much!

Beautiful Work! Definitely going to use some of the decor ideas shared here for my condo. With the help of Furnishr, I know my bedroom will turn out very good. You may want to check out their work too, they are amazing!

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Hello!

Emily is a stylist, author and T.V. host with a strong commitment to vintage inspired approachable home style for every single person. Perfection is boring; Let’s get weird. learn more

Interior Design Blog by Youxi988

I started this interior design blog in 2010 as a journal of my style and home projects with the belief that design should be approachable, informational and accessible no matter what budget.

As a home style expert who has a strong commitment to peeling back the intimidating layers of the world of home decor, and showing how every person can have a beautiful home that represents their personality, no matter what the budget.

After styling for magazines and catalogues for years, I started my own interior design blog, won HGTV Design Star, and have gone on to host my own hit TV show Secrets from a Stylist, Author the book STYLED, and create the design firm Youxi988 Design.

My motto has always been to write and publish on my blog what I personally want to read about.